Virtual and augmented reality is delivering a wide range of benefits, including for students’ wellbeing and personal development, explains Avantis Education, creators of ClassVR.
Today’s students have grown up in a digital world, and virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) harnesses their familiarity with technology to create immersive educational experiences. Through the power of extended reality, students aren’t only passive recipients of information, but active participants in their own learning. This ultimately leads to increased student engagement and improved learning outcomes in a world where there is no limit to achieving individual potential.
Equity of education access
VR/AR helps to level the educational playing field by facilitating equity of access. Breaking down financial and geographical barriers, extended reality gives students access to experiences that might not otherwise be available to them. By removing physical barriers, all students can visit the same historical sites and events, as well as experience diverse cultures, countries, and environments.
St Mark’s Anglican Community School in Perth has been using ClassVR to maximise the student experience by considering physical, emotional, and social development, in addition to academic needs. By sharing ClassVR across the school, all teachers have access to its powerful AR and VR capabilities. Its flexibility for cross-curricular use has also proven a valuable benefit: “Without exception, ClassVR can be used in every subject throughout the school,” Ms Kelly Curran, Head of Digital Learning at the school, says.
As one of the teachers forming part of this global community, Ms Curran shares why St Mark’s wouldn’t be without ClassVR now: “Students love it! They are just so positive about the learning experiences ClassVR brings. From my perspective as a teacher, ClassVR gives students deeper understanding of so many things. Take the solar system. We can’t go on a trip to space, but we can take them there with ClassVR.”
Virtual reality is also a pivotal tool in fostering inclusivity for SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) students. Virtual learning experiences can be tailored to meet individual sensory needs and learning styles, whilst aligning with curriculum content. By creating lived experiences, VR/AR can help SEND students to develop central coherence and executive functioning skills.
Moreover, the simulation of real-world environments such as supermarkets and cafes can help to prepare students for work experience placements or simply a social outing. In doing so, the technology helps to reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing. VR/AR can also help neurotypical students better appreciate challenges which their neurodiverse peers may face in a school environment. In doing so, this builds greater understanding and empathy.
Learning and engagement
Research has found that compared with learners taught with traditional teaching methods, VR learners are four times more focused, four times quicker to retain knowledge, over three times more emotionally connected to lessons, and 275 per cent more confident when applying their learnings (PwC).
The immersive and interactive nature of VR/AR also encourages students to problem solve and think critically in real time, and in a wide range of situations. This active engagement in their own learning enables the development of deeper cognitive skills.
VR/AR technology is particularly powerful as it engages the spatial intelligence of learners. Spatial learning is important as it holistically engages more areas of the brain, leading to deeper understanding. The three-dimensional nature of extended reality also supports a more meaningful understanding of complex concepts found in subjects such as maths, science and physics.
The growing use of VR/AR in education is delivering far reaching benefits, not only for curriculum-led subjects and learning outcomes, but with the softer skills and personal development that help everyone achieve their full potential. Giving teachers a powerful tool to engage every student, whatever their socio-economic status or learning ability, VR/AR is helping to positively evolve the educational landscape – and the journey has only just started.
Need more information?
To learn more about ClassVR or to start your VR/AR journey, visit www.classvr.com.
